Time controlled dispensing mechanism for feed storage containers

ABSTRACT

A feed storage container such as a silo is provided at its bottom with an unloader chute having a normally closed door. A time controlled dispensing mechanism includes a reversible electric motor which is operatively connected to the door for opening and closing the same at timed intervals. The reversible motor is in circuit with switch means responsive to opening and closing of the door. The electrical circuit also includes other switch means for actuating a conveyor in the unloader chute and a roller mill when the door is open.

United States Patent Baskerville et al.

[4 1 Feb. 13, 1973 TIME CONTROLLED DISPENSING MECHANISM FOR FEED STORAGE CONTAINERS Inventors: Henry Baskerville, Elmington Farm, Route 2, Box 203; Marshall Edwin Davis, Elmington Farm Route 2, Box 16F, both of Powhatan County, Va. 23139 Filed: Feb. 24, 1971 Appl. No.: 118,443

US. Cl. ..ll9/51.l1, 119/56 R Int. Cl. ..A0lk 05/02 Field of Search ..1l9/5l.ll, 52 R, 56, 56 R;

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 10/1970 Skelton ..2l4/l7 D 3,026,845 3/1962 Winter ..1 19/5 1.] 1 3,211,339 10/1965 Piper et al. l l9/5l.ll X 3,587,530 6/1971 Blair ..l19/51.1l

Primary Examinerl-lugh R. Chamblee Attorney-Munson I-l. Lane and Munson H. Lane, Jr.

[ ABSIRACT A feed storage container such as a silo is provided at its bottom with an unloader chute having a normally closed door. A time controlled dispensing mechanism includes a reversible electric motor which is operatively connected to the door for opening and closing the same at timed intervals. The reversible motor is in circuit with switch means responsive to opening and closing of the door. The electrical circuit also includes other switch means for actuating a conveyor in the unloader chute and a roller mill when the door is open.

8 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDFEB 13 ms SHEET 10F 3 3.7161128 F/G.I.

INVENTORS HENRY BASKERVILLE 8 MARSHALL EDWIN DAVIS ATTORNEY I PATENTEDFEB 13 I973 sum 20F 3 INVENTORS HENRY BASKERVILLE a MARSHALL EDWIN DAVIS My ATTORNEY PATENIEDFEBlIi 197s 3.716.028

sum 3 0F 3 RELAY 36 ONVEYOR MOTOR ,L TIMER) l4 26 Y I I20 V. AC.

TIMER SWITCH- 35 RELAY-29 DOOR OPENING SWITCH-27 DOOR-l3 OPENING OPEN CLOSING CLOSED DOOR SWITCH-28 ROLLER MILL swncn-as CONVEYOR SWITCH-4| 1 LEGEND: 1::1 INVENTORS CLOSED OPEN HENRY BASKERVILLE a MARSHALL EDWIN DAVIS Fl 6. 6.

ATTORNEY TIME CONTROLLED DISPENSING MECHANISM FOR FEED STORAGE CONTAINERS This invention relates to new and useful improvements in dispensing mechanisms for feed storage containers such as silos or the like, and in particular the invention concerns itself with such containers which are usually sealed to minimize spoilage of the stored material by outside atmosphere, and which are provided at the bottom thereof with an unloader chute through which the stored material is discharged. The unloader chute contains a motor driven conveyor and its outlet is normally closed by a spring-biased door. Often, the unloader chute also contains a motor driven roller mill which comminutes the material prior to its discharge through the door.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a time controlled mechanism for automatically opening and closing the door of the unloader chute at predetermined intervals and to sequentially actuate the roller mill and the discharge conveyor during the period when the door is open, thus affording automatic dispensing of the stored material at selected times and assuring that the door becomes closed when each dispensing cycle is completed.

The dispensing mechanism of the invention is simple in construction, efficient and dependable in operation, and lends itself to installation on unloader chutes of different silos without the need for any substantial structural modifications of the chutes.

With the foregoing more important object and features in view and such other objects and features which may become apparent as this specification proceeds, the invention will be understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like characters of references designate like parts, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view showinga portion of a silo with its unloader chute and door, and the dispensing mechanism of the invention associated therewith;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary elevational view, taken substantially from the plane of the line 22 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 isa fragmentary elevational view, taken from the side opposite from FIGJI and showing the unloader chute door in its open position; v

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the unloader chute and door with the mechanism of the invention applied thereto;

FIG. 5 is a wiring diagram of the electrical components of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a time sequence diagram showing. the

manner ofoperation. v

Referring now to the accompanying drawings in detail, the numeral 10 generally designates a conventional feed storage container such as a silo, which is usually sealed to minimize spoilage of its contents by outside atmosphere. In a silo of this type the contents are discharged from the bottom by means well known in the art, such meansincluding an unloader chute 12, the outlet of which is normally closed by a springbiased door 13. The discharging means also include a conveyor in the chute 12, the conveyor being driven by an electric motor 14 fixedly mounted on the outside of the chute. Moreover, a roller mill is often provided in the chute for comminuting the material prior to its discharge through the door 13.

The door 13 is carried by a supporting frame 15 which is swingably attached at the fulcrum points 16 to a fixed framework 17 on the unloader chute 12, so that the door 13 may be swung from its closed position shown in FIG. I to its open position shown in FIG. 3. The frame 15 includes a cross member 15' and a pair of tension springs 18 extend from the ends of this cross member to a mount 19 on the silo 10, the springs 18 thus biasing the door 13 to its closed position.

The automatic door opening the closing mechanism of the invention involves the provision of an electrically motor driven winch or hoist 20 which is supported on the silo 10 by the mount 19 and operatively engages an elongated flexible element such as a length of chain 21, having one ,end thereof anchored as at 22 to the upper end of a lever 23. The lower end portion of the latter is secured to the aforementioned door supporting frame 15 which is swingable about the fulcrum points 16. Thus, when the chain 21 is hauled in by the winch 20, the lever 23 with the frame 15 will swing the door 13 from the closed position of FIG. 1 to the open position of FIG. 3 against the bias of the springs 18. As the chain 21 is hauled in and passes through the winch or hoist 20, its free other end portion is received in a suitable receptacle 24 supported by a bracket'25 on the silo 10 below the winch. When the winch 20 is driven in the opposite direction so as to pay out the chain 21, it will permit the door 13 to close under the bias of the springs 18.

The electrical components of the invention are shown diagramatically in FIG. 5, wherein 20a designates a reversible electric motor for driving the winch 20 in either direction. 14 and 14a are separate motors for driving the conveyor and roller mill, respectively, in the unloader chute 12.

The winch motor 20a is in circuit with a source of current 26 through switch means including first and second micro-switches 27, 28, respectively, and a twoposition relay 29. The switch 27 is in one conductor 27 extending from the motor 20a to one contact 30 of the relay 29, while the switch 28 is in another conductor 28'extending from the motor to the other contact 31 of the relay. A third conductor 32 extends from the motor 20a directly to the current source 26. The movable contact member 33 of the relay 29 is connected to the current source by a conductor'33, whilethe coil of the relay is connected to the current source as at 34 in series with a timer switch 35. The latter is opened and closed at selected time intervals by a timer or clock 36, connected to the current source as at 37 so that it is constantly driven. The roller mill motor 14a is connected to the current source as at 3 is series with a micro-switch 39, and the conveyor driving motor 14 is similarly connected to the current source as at 40 in seties with a micro-switch 4].

The switches 27 and 41 are mounted on the fixed framework 17 on the unloader chute l2 in juxtaposed relation for actuation by a single arm 42 which is secured to and swingable with the door supporting frame 15. However, the switch 4l is somewhat higher than the switch 27 so that it is actuated by the arm 42 before the arm actuates the switch-27. The switch 39 is mounted on top of the switch 41 and is actuated by an arm 43 which is secured to and swingable with the frame 15. The switch 28is mounted on top of a housing 44 which accommodates the relay 29 and timer switch 35, 36, the housing 44 being suitably positioned so that the switch 28 is disposed directly below the chain 21.

The operation of the mechanism will be apparent from the time sequence diagram in FIG. 6 which indicates the various actions which take place sequentially in one complete operational cycle.

At the commencement of the cycle, the clock 36 closes the timer switch 35, thus energizing the relay 29 so that the movable member 33 of the relay engages the contact 30. The switch 27 is normally closed and current thus flows through the conductor 27' to energize the motor 20a which rotates the winch 20 in such direction as to haul in the chain 21. This causes the door 13 to swing from its closed position to its open position and as the door opens, the-arm 43 becomes disengaged from the switch 39 which is normally open, thus closing the switch 39 and energizing the motor 14a to drive the roller mill.

As the door 13 approaches its fully open position, the arm 42 comes in contact with the switch 41 which is normally open, thus closing the switch 41 and energizing the motor 14 to drive the conveyor. Shortly thereafter, in the fully open position of the door, the arm 42 engages the switch 27 which is normally closed but becomes opened by the arm 42, so that'supply of current to the motor 20a through the conductor 27' is discontinued and the winch 20 is stopped in the open position of the door 13.

In the meantime, the conveyor and the roller mill in the unloader chute 12 remain energized and feed continues to be discharged through the open door 13 for a predetermined period until the clock 36 opens the timer switch 35 and the relay 29 is de-energized so that its movable member 33 engages the contact 31. The switch 28 is normally closed and current thus flows through the conductor 28' to energize the motor 20a which now rotates in the opposite direction, causing the winch 20 to pay out the chain 21 while permitting the door 13 to close under the bias of the springs 18. As the door 13 commences to close, the arm 42 becomes disengaged from the switch 27, thus closing that switch in readiness for the next operational cycle, it being noted that when at this point the switch 27 is closed, current does not flow through the conductor 27 because the relay member 33 engages the contact 31 rather than the contact 30. Shortly after its disengagement from the switch 27, the arm 42 becomes disengaged from the switch 41, thus opening the latter and causing'the conveyor drive motor 14 to stop. As the door 13 approaches is closed position, the arm 43 comes in engagement with the switch 39, causing the same to be opened and stopping .the roller mill driving motor 14a.

In the fully closed position of the door 13 the continued operation of the winch 20 causes the chain 21 to become slack and to come into engagement with the switch 28, thus opening the latter and stopping the winch motor 20a. The apparatus is then ready for the next cycle of operation when the timer switch 35 again energizes the relay 29 and as soon as the winch 20 again hauls in the chain 21, the chain is disengaged from the switch 28 and the latter again becomes closed, as already mentioned.

Another feature of the invention which has not previously been mentioned is the manner in which the door 13 is pivotally mounted on the supporting frame so as to pivot about an axis extending transversely across the width of the door and parallel to and approximate the central longitudinal axis of the door 13. The mounting means comprises a pair of spaced bracket arms 15" which are affixed to the crossmember 15 so as to prom ject toward the chute 12. Pivot pins 15a secured to the projecting ends of the bracket arms 15" engage in suitable bearings provided on the vertical edges 13' of the door 13 nearthe horizontal center line through the door. By pivoting the door 13 just above its center axis of the door, the weight of the door below the pivot points cause the door to remain upright when the supporting frame 15 is swung about the fulcrum l6 and the door will adjust itself to sealingly engage the marginal edges of the end of the chute 12 by pivoting on the pivot pins 15a as the supporting frame 15 is swung to close the chute. A gasket means 13b is provided on the inside face of the door 13 to provide an airtight seal between the door and the end of the chute.

While the invention has been described in particular relationship to the discharge chute 12 of a silo, the invention is not so limited. The invention can be used in conjunction with any access passageway extending from a silo or other storage container where it is important to maintain the airtight integrity of the container when the access passageway is not being used. It is thus within the scope of the invention that the access passageway may be a filling opening at the top of the silo, with a door provided to close the access opening in a sealing manner. Because of the difficulty in climbing a tall silo, it is of a particular advantage that the door when at the top of the silo be provided with power actuating means, and remote controls to cause the power actuating means to open and close the door. This invention provides such a door with power actuator and controls for opening and closing the door.

What is claimed as new is:

1. A time controlled dispensing mechanism for a material storage container which has an unloader chute with an unloader conveyor therein, a door on said chute spring-biased to its closed position, and an electric motor driving said conveyor, said mechanism including a Winch, a reversible electric motor driving said winch, an elongated flexible element engaging said winch and operatively connected to said door to open the door against its spring bias when the winch is driven in one direction and to permit closing of the door by its spring bias when the winch is driven in the other direction, and an electric circuit including a timer switch, switch means controlled by said timer switch and in circuit with said reversible motor for driving said winch successively in opposite directions to successively openand close said door, and other switch means responsive to opening and closing of the door for respectively energizing and de-energizing said conveyor driving motor.

2. The device as defined in claim 1 together with another electric motor driving a roller mill, and another switch means responsive to opening and closing of said door for respectively energizing and de-energizing said roller mill driving motor.

3. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said first mentioned switch means controlled by said timer switch includes a first switch connected to said reversible motor for driving said winch in the door opening direction, a second switch connected to said reversible motor for driving said winch in the door closing direction, and a two-position relay connecting the first switch to a source of current when the relay is energized and connecting the second switch to the current source when the relay is de-energized, said relay having its energizing coil connected in series with said timer switch to the current source.

4. The device as defined in claim 3 which is further characterized in that said first switch is normally closed and is opened when said door is in its open position.

5. The device as defined in claim 4 together with a switch actuator connected to said door and engageable with said first switch for opening the same when the door is in its open position.

6. The device as defined in claim 3 which is further characterized in that said second switch is normally closed and is opened when said door is in its closed position.

7. The device as defined in claim 6 wherein said elongated fiexible element is engageable with said second switch to open the same when said door is in its closed position.

8. A feed storage and dispensing apparatus comprising a sealed storage container, a discharge chute for said container having one end in sealed communication with the interior of the container and having a discharge end extending outwardly from the container, closure means normally sealing the discharge end of said chute, conveyor means for conveying feed from the bottom of said container through said chute, a fixedly mounted conveyor motor for actuating said conveyor means and automatic means for opening and closing said closure means in timed sequence with the operation of said conveyor means. 

1. A time controlled dispensing mechanism for a material storage container which has an unloader chute with an unloader conveyor therein, a door on said chute spring-biased to its closed position, and an electric motor driving said conveyor, said mechanism including a winch, a reversible electric motor driving said winch, an elongated flexible element engaging said winch and operatively connected to said door to open the door against its spring bias when the winch is driven in one direction and to permit closing of the door by its spring bias when the winch is driven in the other direction, and an electric circuit including a timer switch, switch means controlled by said timer switch and in circuit with said reversible motor for driving said winch successively in opposite directions to successively open and close said door, and other switch means responsive to opening and closing of the door for respectively energizing and de-energizing said conveyor driving motor.
 1. A time controlled dispensing mechanism for a material storage container which has an unloader chute with an unloader conveyor therein, a door on said chute spring-biased to its closed position, and an electric motor driving said conveyor, said mechanism including a winch, a reversible electric motor driving said winch, an elongated flexible element engaging said winch and operatively connected to said door to open the door against its spring bias when the winch is driven in one direction and to permit closing of the door by its spring bias when the winch is driven in the other direction, and an electric circuit including a timer switch, switch means controlled by said timer switch and in circuit with said reversible motor for driving said winch successively in opposite directions to successively open and close said door, and other switch means responsive to opening and closing of the door for respectively energizing and de-energizing said conveyor driving motor.
 2. The device as defined in claim 1 together with another electric motor driving a roller mill, and another switch means responsive to opening and closing of said door for respectively energizing and de-energizing said roller mill driving motor.
 3. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said first mentioned switch means controlled by said timer switch includes a first switch connected to said reversible motor for driving said winch in the door opening direction, a second switch connected to said reversible motor for driving said winch in the door closing direction, and a two-position relay connecting the first switch to a source of current when the relay is energized and connecting the second switch to the current source when the relay is de-energized, said relay having its energizing coil connected in series with said timer switch to the current source.
 4. The device as defined in claim 3 which is further characterized in that said first switch is normally closed and is opened when said door is in its open position.
 5. The device as defined in claim 4 together with a switch actuator connected to said door and engageable with said first switch for opening the same when the door is in its open position.
 6. The device as defined in claim 3 which is further characterized in that said second switch is normally closed and is opened when said door is in its closed position.
 7. The device as defined in claim 6 wherein said elongated flexible element is engageable with said second switch to open the same when said door is in its closed position. 